Indiana Horse Trails

Indiana’s horse trails span 3,500 miles and offer a safe experience for all riders. Consisting of a system of loops, the trails consist of a network that doesn’t have stables. Riders are required to bring their own horses to the trails if they hope to ride.

The main trails include:

Birdseye trail, which is designated for mountain biking, horse riding and hiking. The trail is for riders 17 years of age or older and spans 11.8 miles.

Charles C. Deam is an area that spans 13,000 acres and 37.3 miles. Horse riders should be 17 or older.

D trail requires all horse riders to have a permit and spans 2.2 miles, connecting to other popular trails in the area.

German Ridge allows riders 17 years of age and older, and the trail spans 24 miles. Water is available for horses.

Hickory Ridge is a mountain bike and horse trail for riders 17 and older. The trail is 48.7 miles in length with long and short loops.

Lick Creeks is a 7.7 miles trail that goes through a winding, scenic hardwood forest.

Morgan Ridge West is a 12.3-mile trail that ties into the 6.7-mile Morgan Ridge East trail.

Nebo Ridge is an 8.6-mile trail that’s open all year long and is heavily used.

Oriole East is another scenic trail that is open all year to hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers that are 17 or older. The trail connects to Oriole West and is 6.5 miles in length. The West portion of the trail is 7.2 miles in length.

Spring Valley is a 12.7 miles trail offering superb views of Spring Valley Lake. Riders can go around an 8.4-mile loop around the lake and 4.3 miles to County Road 310. The trail is scenic, but it does have steep climbs that are better suited to experienced riders.

Youngs Creek is another 12.7 miles trail that offers ample shade and a variety of terrain. The trail is lightly used and open all year long.

Horseback riders must be 17 or older for all trails, and a permit is required to legally use the trails. Local offices and vendors will be able to supply permits.

Must-Know Trail Etiquette

Horse trail etiquette is what helps keep the 3,500 miles of trails safe, clean and enjoyable for all guests. A number of horses and owners come to indiana during the summer months for holidays using international horse transport services.

Basic trail etiquette requires you to:

Use trails that match your user type and are open

Follow signage

Stay on the trail

Take up no more than half the trail

Travel at a safe speed

Yield to other users or traffic

Move off the trail (no trespass) when taking a break

Dispose of all trash properly

Be mindful of wildlife

Keep pets close and on a leash

Warn others before passing

Remain alert of others

Proper trail etiquette should be followed by all trail users and parties.